What was it like when you raced for the first time?

After 2 driving schools I thought the adrenaline would be under control. My first rolling start at an SCCA race was with about 60 other cars on a 2+ mile course at Texas World Speedway. I had a double row of about 40 cars ahead of me, and 20 cars behind me. The adrenaline was so bad that my legs were shaking so badly I couldn't hold the gas pedal down to floor -- I actually had to use my right hand pushing down on my right knee to keep the pedal on the floor when the green flag dropped. Halfway through the first lap (side by side racing through the first 3 or 4 turns), the 'shakes' went away. Come back and tell us how much sleep you get the night before the race.

all my buddies from school were at are local track, and the first time i had ever ran i beat the fastest kids time at my highschool!!! it was only a 9 flat in the 1/8 but you will be suprised at how much time you will take off just from practice!!! good luck man!!! and dont worry about stalling..... i missed second on my second pass!!!!

My first time racing was about two years ago. I didn't even have my stang yet. I was very nervous and was shaking because I didn't wanna mess up and look like an idiot. I have spectated races like 5,000,000 times too!

My first trip certainly was an experience. I thought I knew what to do from going to a few FFW and NMRA events... nope had no idea. My R/T on my first pass was like 1.5, and I spun them to 4th... stupid burnout box... missed second a few times. But after a while you'll calm down and have fun.

My first time my adrenaline was pumping big time on my way up to run. I was nervous too palms sweety, knees shaky, but once the light turns green and you punch the gas, the nervousness goes away and its all smiles after that. I missed a few shifts every once in a while too the first time to the track. I love it though and It's such a rush!

The first time I raced, I pulled out of the burnout box and to the light, and at my local track the bleachers are right there on the track. So you can imagine how nervous you can get seeing all your friends, your mechanic, and 500 other people lookin at you. But like everyone else says the gitters go away. Racing is great!

First time at the track was with my ZX2, I was so nervous about the tree. Even more so when I had a Lightning to the left of me. I think I pulled a 19 the first time LOL I left the AC on LMAO no joke. But after a while I got to 18.10 and a 17.9 which I never could reproduce (must have been a freak thing). I was trembling when it was my turn to race (great feeling, great rush). I bypassed the burnout box since my car isn't powerfull enough and FWD burnouts look so gay IMO.

I can't wait to go back with the Mustang though, I will be like this unless something goes wrong lol

My first time down I raced my buddy who was also making his first pass. Him in his 89GT 4.10 w/couple boltons and my LX which at the time had only 3.73 and catback. We both ended up running in the mid 15's that first time. It was pretty sad but we were both grinning from ear to ear when we crossed the finish line.

I ran 22's my first and second runs, and haven't gone back since. Probably will this summer, at least to see if I've broken into the 19's. I didn't have the first clue about staging or anything, the guy had to have me roll down my window and gave me instructions. It was good times, though. First time I ran a K5 Blazer who beat me by about a tenth, second run was against a '67 fastback who ran a 17-something. That was High School Drags, btw. So not everyone can drive well.

Ash

first time down i stalled it at the tree when it was time to go, lol i was nervous and i dont know what the hell i did but i turned it back on and made the pass lol.

that was in my 1990 gt i had before this 92 i got now.

Im running for the first time on the 26th. I know burnouts are pointless on street tires, but should I still give them a quick 3 second spin to clean them off a little? If I do give a quick spin should I bother going into the burnout box to do it?

i live near iwindale and pamona..... im planning my first run at irwindale maybe for next thurs....

MAC'n89Blckstng said:

In two weeks I turn 18 and Im racin on my birthday. I think that im gonna be nervous as hell, lol. What was it like when you guys first took a car down the track. I'm affraid I'll be so nervous I wont be able to stage, and will stall out when I go to launch. LOL

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An absolute blast, very nervous, but it was the only way to answer the "how fast I does it really go" question. In 72 I bought a new 1972 Kawasaki Mach 3, 500cc, which was the quickest production bike made. So I went to New England Dragway on a test and tune night in May 1973. Four runs only, as I was a poor college student trying to save my one and only rear tire. Also had the need to control the wheelie issue with the bike. Funniest thing was that the starter and line workers did not seem to care or notice that I had never done this before, and seemed upset when I asked questions. Went a best of 14.1/92. I did not better that until two weeks ago at FFW Orlando when the car finally got into the 13's.

I still have lots of respect for those who can get a fast bike off the line and down the track.

Just like Patton said, God, I do love this stuff.

Just have fun, don't worry about it. Keep your timeslips and when you are done, post them, good or bad.

My first time to run wasn't planned. I was 16 and went with my uncle to watch, found out anyone could run so I was kind of board and thought "why not?" so I ran my '94 Escort LX auto with it's earth pounding 88hp 90tq engine into the 19's at a blinding 65mph. I didn't care, I was just having fun crawling down the track. So I wasn't nervous because I didn't expect anything and neither did anyone else. Then I got my Escort GT 5 speed, 127hp and 114tq. I ran it down the 1/8th and was running low 10's. I ran a best of 10.3 at 73mph, and it was stock at the time. I was not too nervous because I was concentrating on trying to work the clutch with no bottom end tq.

My first time with my fox was kind of dissapointing. I running at about the same MPH as my Escort, but with a higher ET. I got better at driving and started adding mod after mod, and it just keeps getting better.

Which reminds me..... TRACK OPENS SOON!!!!

is it just me or even when you come back a few weeks later your first run you get a bit nervous ? my very first run was in my 70' chevelle with some hard street tires,Toyo somethings. but either way i was spinning just about all through first and i was sliding towards the wall and apparently i came pretty damn close. but it didnt seem like i was THAT close. i just kept chuggin on down the track to like a .15.3 or so. (horrible time)